Olympic spirit takes hold as final torch trip wins hearts

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As the torch completed its final leg into Central London it left behind expectation

At 7am a huge cheer went up from crowds, some knee-deep in the Thames, at
Hampton Court as Matthew Pinsent, the Olympic gold oarsman, carried the
torch aboard Gloriana, the Queen’s barge, for a jubilant 18-mile journey to
Tower Bridge.

Down through Teddington Lock, right, and beyond, it was cheered from banks,
gardens, wharfs, multimillion- pound mansions and council blocks. Banners
read “Go Team GB” and “Good Luck Team GB”.

A small army of cyclists careerd down the towpaths, trying to keep up as the Gloriana
gathered speed, scattering swans and ducks before her.

Every gap in the trees was

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Matthew Pinsent lights the cauldron with the Olympic Flame on the Royal rowbarge Gloriana

July 28 2012 LOCOG

Matthew Pinsent lights the cauldron with the Olympic Flame on the Royal rowbarge Gloriana

July 28 2012 LOCOG

The Olympic Torch reaches the end of its epic 8,000-mile journey

July 28 2012 Times photographer, Richard Pohle

Spectators gather on the banks of the Thames to see the Gloriana pass

July 28 2012 PA

On the home straight: the Gloriana takes the Torch down the Thames

July 28 2012 PA

Three hundred children boarded HMS Belfast to ring bells

July 28 2012 EPA

The Queen’s rowbarge ‘Gloriana’ carries the Olympic flame along the river Thames from Hampton Court to City Hall on the final day of the torch relay